The Student Room Group

Worried about returninb to uni

I know I’ve posted threads on here but in September I’ll be back for my final year but I’m really scared about returning due to a number of reasons
I’m scared to go back to uni in September after the experiences I’ve faced with other students who have treated me incredibly unfairly and it’s caused me a lot of grief and heartbreak through what’s gone on.
I get laughed at for being myself and it’s upsetting because they should know better than that. It makes me very upset seeing how others treat me and exclude me as I believe they do it because of a special characteristic I have and it’s appalling.
I wish people were nice to me and wouldn’t be nasty to me as I’ve done nothing wrong to anyone.
I have reported things because of how disgusting things were but I wish it would all stop. There are people who are on my side and I’m grateful for that support but I cannot get over the fact someone once made up falsehoods that I said this when it was something completely different and as a result people took it out on me when they don’t know the actual story. What had actually happened was that I was upset over something that had nothing to do with the club and they made it a lot worse by doing this to me when there was no need.
I’ve been asked incredibly inappropriate questions including regards to sexuality and if my child would have the same thing I supposedly have which I feel uncomfortable with and recently someone has got it to make misinformation about my identity.
I feel like all of this has came to a very bad point as I don’t know what I’ve done wrong to these people. I just wish these people understood and knew what they’ve done.
I’m really scared to return to uni because of this because I worry another incident would happen and I don’t know how I’d deal with it
Hey!
Sorry to hear you've been having such an upsetting and difficult time at university. Your descriptions of being treated unfairly, laughed at, excluded, and questioned inappropriately, especially regarding a "special characteristic" or identity, constitute harassment and discrimination. No student should ever have to go through that.
It's completely valid and understandable that you're scared to return for your final year, given what you've faced. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Since you've already reported things but they haven't stopped, it's crucial to talk with your university's official support channels immediately and potentially escalate your concerns. These situations are serious and fall under university policies on harassment and discrimination.
Please reach out to these specific university services right away:

Student Support/ Welfare Team: To discuss your emotional well-being and general concerns. They can often guide you to other relevant departments.

University's Harassment & Bullying / Dignity & Respect / Student Conduct Team: These are the main departments set up to investigate and handle the behaviour you've described. They can take official action against those involved and ensure your safety. This is especially important if previous reports haven't solved the problem.

Disability Support Services (if applicable): If the "special characteristic" relates to a disability, this team can provide specific support and advocate for you.

University Counselling Services: To help you cope with the grief, heartbreak, and anxiety this has caused.

You have a right to feel safe and respected at university. Please don't try to deal with this alone or believe you've done anything wrong. The university has a responsibility to protect its students from this type of treatment.
Reach out to them before you return in September. They are there to help you navigate this and ensure you can complete your final year in a safe environment. 💪

Hope this helps.😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism

Reply 2

Original post
by ADTRgirlxo
I know I’ve posted threads on here but in September I’ll be back for my final year but I’m really scared about returning due to a number of reasons
I’m scared to go back to uni in September after the experiences I’ve faced with other students who have treated me incredibly unfairly and it’s caused me a lot of grief and heartbreak through what’s gone on.
I get laughed at for being myself and it’s upsetting because they should know better than that. It makes me very upset seeing how others treat me and exclude me as I believe they do it because of a special characteristic I have and it’s appalling.
I wish people were nice to me and wouldn’t be nasty to me as I’ve done nothing wrong to anyone.
I have reported things because of how disgusting things were but I wish it would all stop. There are people who are on my side and I’m grateful for that support but I cannot get over the fact someone once made up falsehoods that I said this when it was something completely different and as a result people took it out on me when they don’t know the actual story. What had actually happened was that I was upset over something that had nothing to do with the club and they made it a lot worse by doing this to me when there was no need.
I’ve been asked incredibly inappropriate questions including regards to sexuality and if my child would have the same thing I supposedly have which I feel uncomfortable with and recently someone has got it to make misinformation about my identity.
I feel like all of this has came to a very bad point as I don’t know what I’ve done wrong to these people. I just wish these people understood and knew what they’ve done.
I’m really scared to return to uni because of this because I worry another incident would happen and I don’t know how I’d deal with it

Hi there,

I am so sorry that you have been going through this while you have been at uni. It sounds terrible and I am not surprised that you are upset by this.

The first thing I would say is that I definitely agree with what has been said here so far and that is you should reach out (again if you have already) to the wellbeing team at your uni. They are there to help and support you and should be able to talk you through how you are feeling because of this and how they can help you.

Reaching out to your uni to explain what has been happening and even report the people who have been doing it is. good idea too. I know it feels a bit awkward doing this but you have just as much right as them to feel safe, happy and comfortable at uni and this might help you to feel this way.

I would also maybe reach out to you tutors, or ask the support team if they can do this for you. If the people who are being horrible are in your classes, you could potentially ask to be moved to another class. I know this might not be the most ideal situation and you may have tried this already but it could be worth asking as it may help you out.

As well as keeping in touch with the support teams to help you through your final year, you could also see if there are any other ways to make some friends, or find some people who you feel closer to. It could be worth having a look on social media as there are often groups on here which people use to meet people and make friends while at uni. I would suggest having a look at least as you might just find some people on here that you get on with and could make your last year at uni a bit better for you.

Remember that you are not like them - you know in yourself how you are as a person and that you would not treat people this way. When you are experiencing things like this it can be easy to forget how great of a person you are but don't let them let you feel this way.

Again, I am so sorry that you are going through this and I hope this year you can get the support you need.

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Original post
by ADTRgirlxo
I know I’ve posted threads on here but in September I’ll be back for my final year but I’m really scared about returning due to a number of reasons
I’m scared to go back to uni in September after the experiences I’ve faced with other students who have treated me incredibly unfairly and it’s caused me a lot of grief and heartbreak through what’s gone on.
I get laughed at for being myself and it’s upsetting because they should know better than that. It makes me very upset seeing how others treat me and exclude me as I believe they do it because of a special characteristic I have and it’s appalling.
I wish people were nice to me and wouldn’t be nasty to me as I’ve done nothing wrong to anyone.
I have reported things because of how disgusting things were but I wish it would all stop. There are people who are on my side and I’m grateful for that support but I cannot get over the fact someone once made up falsehoods that I said this when it was something completely different and as a result people took it out on me when they don’t know the actual story. What had actually happened was that I was upset over something that had nothing to do with the club and they made it a lot worse by doing this to me when there was no need.
I’ve been asked incredibly inappropriate questions including regards to sexuality and if my child would have the same thing I supposedly have which I feel uncomfortable with and recently someone has got it to make misinformation about my identity.
I feel like all of this has came to a very bad point as I don’t know what I’ve done wrong to these people. I just wish these people understood and knew what they’ve done.
I’m really scared to return to uni because of this because I worry another incident would happen and I don’t know how I’d deal with it

Hey,

I'm really sorry you're going through this. No one deserves to feel unsafe, isolated, or mistreated at university, especially not for simply being themselves. It takes a lot of courage to speak up about these kinds of experiences, and I hope you know that what you’re feeling is completely valid.

When university becomes a place of fear or distress because of how others have treated you, it’s incredibly difficult to feel motivated or secure about returning, especially in your final year when the pressure is already high. Being excluded, laughed at, or questioned in invasive ways because of a personal characteristic is not just unfair, it may also breach your university’s code of conduct and anti-discrimination policies.

It’s a good step that you’ve already reported the behaviour. Keep a record of everything, especially if anything else happens. If you haven't already, consider speaking with your university's wellbeing team, student union, or a dedicated harassment support officer. Many universities also offer disability advisors or equality & diversity teams who can advocate for adjustments or protection where necessary. You deserve to feel protected, understood, and heard, not just by friends, but by staff who are trained to help in exactly these situations.

You also mentioned that you have people who are on your side, which is really important, even if it’s just a few, keep leaning into that support. Having someone to walk to lectures with, talk things through, or just sit beside in a club or class can make a big difference.

And when it comes to your fears about another incident happening, you don’t have to face it alone. You can request things like safe return plans, pastoral check-ins, or changes in groupings or timetables if needed. Your safety and mental wellbeing should always come first.

Above all, you’ve done nothing wrong. No characteristic or identity you hold justifies mistreatment, ever. Going into final year is stressful enough, it should be a time when you get to focus on your achievements and goals, not just on surviving social hostility. Keep speaking up, keep reaching out, and please don’t carry this alone. Things can get better with the right support systems in place, and you deserve to finish your degree with dignity and peace.

Good luck
Arslan University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 4

Original post
by University of Salford Student Rep
Hey,
I'm really sorry you're going through this. No one deserves to feel unsafe, isolated, or mistreated at university, especially not for simply being themselves. It takes a lot of courage to speak up about these kinds of experiences, and I hope you know that what you’re feeling is completely valid.
When university becomes a place of fear or distress because of how others have treated you, it’s incredibly difficult to feel motivated or secure about returning, especially in your final year when the pressure is already high. Being excluded, laughed at, or questioned in invasive ways because of a personal characteristic is not just unfair, it may also breach your university’s code of conduct and anti-discrimination policies.
It’s a good step that you’ve already reported the behaviour. Keep a record of everything, especially if anything else happens. If you haven't already, consider speaking with your university's wellbeing team, student union, or a dedicated harassment support officer. Many universities also offer disability advisors or equality & diversity teams who can advocate for adjustments or protection where necessary. You deserve to feel protected, understood, and heard, not just by friends, but by staff who are trained to help in exactly these situations.
You also mentioned that you have people who are on your side, which is really important, even if it’s just a few, keep leaning into that support. Having someone to walk to lectures with, talk things through, or just sit beside in a club or class can make a big difference.
And when it comes to your fears about another incident happening, you don’t have to face it alone. You can request things like safe return plans, pastoral check-ins, or changes in groupings or timetables if needed. Your safety and mental wellbeing should always come first.
Above all, you’ve done nothing wrong. No characteristic or identity you hold justifies mistreatment, ever. Going into final year is stressful enough, it should be a time when you get to focus on your achievements and goals, not just on surviving social hostility. Keep speaking up, keep reaching out, and please don’t carry this alone. Things can get better with the right support systems in place, and you deserve to finish your degree with dignity and peace.
Good luck
Arslan University of Salford Student Representative


I have reported the issues to my university but there was no evidence to back any of this up and I feel really let down as I’m telling the truth.
I’ve seen myself and other students get filmed in public as well by other students which I cannot believe happens as a long time ago it happened to me where I was filmed and it got posted online which was humiliating but for it to happen at uni is just absolutely appalling and unbelievable.
I am upset being at this uni because of disgusting these issues are and it shows no one has learned anything in treating others with respect.

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